Pilates Equipment

About Pilates

At FITNESS By Design we use the STOTT V2 Max Plus Reformer. Joseph Pilates constructed the original reformer from a bed frame, mattress springs and ropes while living in a World War I internment camp. He called it the "bednasium" and used it to help immobilized soldiers strengthen their bodies. The modern reformer has retained the look of a narrow bed with a sliding platform, or carriage, made more or less resistant by adding or removing springs. A system of cords and pulleys provides another means of resistance. You can perform very basic to highly advanced movements in virtually any position on the reformer, with selected resistance. Certain stretches, such as those for the hip flexor, cannot be duplicated on the mat or any other apparatus. In addition, Pilates' series of jumping exercises is exclusive to the reformer.

Far from being a newcomer on the block, the STOTT Pilates Chair has always been a part of any fully equipped Pilates studio. Lately, the chairs have been getting a new look, moving into the mainstream and losing their status as one of the "mysterious" Pilates machines. Like the Reformer, the Pilates Chair is another of Joseph Pilates' resistance exercise machines. The Pilates Chair is basically a box with one side that can be pressed down against the resistance of springs, like a large pedal. Sometimes the pedal portion is divided into two parts that can be worked independently. Traditionally, the Pilates Chairs are made of wood, with a padded top and pedal. The original chair that Joseph Pilates designed actually did double-duty as furniture, converting into sitting chairs.

STOTT Pilates Cadillac is a reformer that also has a trapeze attached to it. This allows you to perform more exercises in all planes of motion and will add variety to your normal reformer session, whether you are rehabbing an injury or an athlete training for an event.

STOTT Pilates Spine Corrector will help improve posture and alignment of the spine, which will enable you to get that longer and leaner look.

The STOTT Pilates Ladder Barrel will give you a serious core workout! Challenge your core stability on this piece of Pilates equipment and increase your core strength and flexibility.

WHEN: By Appointment

WHERE: Studio Reformer and Studio Cadillac- FBD Grand Ave.

Private/duet clients may purchase sessions in advance via their MINDBODY account or you may opt to be billed on the last day of each month via CC and emailed a receipt. Payment by check is also accepted. We are confident that once you start training and seeing the difference it can make in your life, you will want to continue training long-term!

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hrs in advance of scheduled sessions. Any session cancelled less than 48 hrs in advance will be charged in full if it cannot be filled with another client. Because you are reserving a private workout studio, only you are allowed to exercise during that specific hour. We often operate at full capacity and have a waiting list. As trainers, we set time aside and prepare for each appointment we have this policy in place to protect our time. Judging cancellations on a case by case basis would be extremely difficult so we apply the policy uniformly and fairy to all our clients. We know you understand how important this is in terms of protecting our professional integrity. We ask for your strict adherence to this policy. Exceptions are made for funerals and weather related cancellations.

In an attempt to be as flexible as possible, we allow you to make up the session within the week that you cancelled if there is a time that works conveniently for both the trainer and client’s schedules. It is likely at some point you may be waiting for a time to open up and will benefit from someone else cancelling. Thanks for your understanding.

Group/Duet Sessions:

Clients who are scheduled for Group/Duet sessions must cancel their place in that session at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled session. Any session cancelled less than 48 hours in advance that cannot be filled with another client will be charged in full. If you are the only client registered for Group/Duet session because your partner will be absent, that workout will be considered a private session and will be billed at the private rate.

Testimonials

I love coming to class, each class is different, so the interest I have, and my muscles have, keeps me coming back to see what is next. The personal attention and the smaller size classes are wonderful, the instructor lets me know if I am doing the exercises correctly. My most noticeable benefit, other than feeling so much better, was skiing this past winter, I could do a complete run without stopping, something I hadn't been able to do in a long time. A positive attitude by both the instructor and the class makes this something I don't want to miss.– Strength Class Client

I like the classes at Fitness by Design because they are rigorous and demanding, yet carefully planned and monitored to combine strength building and some aerobic components. The instructors are attentive and well organized, so I am confident that I am doing the exercises in the most effective and safe way. The classes are varied enough to remain interesting, but there is enough consistency to create a sense of real progress over time. I am not always happy while actually doing the class, but I am always glad to be there and sorry when I have to miss! I know I've gained a lot of strength and flexibility - and I've had a good time as well!– Kathy Eckhouse

Fitness by Design has been exactly what I needed. I am so thrilled that I found you all. My trainer has been amazing, I adore her and we have so much in common... plus she's subtly kicking my butt. And what an amazing soul Mary St Onge is! Joining your establishment has been one of the best things I've done for myself in a really long time. Completely worth the commitment, time and money.– PT client

I have felt very comfortable and welcomed at your studio. Because I am "dripping wet" at the completion of each class, I know I am certainly benefitting from the classes. I appreciate the cleanliness of your studio, availability of water, a prompt starting time and your professionalism. I like that you "mix up" the routines and find them all challenging......extremely! Am I dying to come to class........no. Do I feel empowered, happier, and full of energy at the end of each class.......yes. Thank you, Barb, for wanting feedback. That speaks volumes about you and your business!– Strength Class Client

I started attending Barb Mendoza's strength class once per week just 4 months ago. I also decided to train for another marathon near that time. As a woman in my 50's, I found the strength class to significantly develop my core and overall strength and I believe this really helped me throughout the marathon and, in particular, in the last 6 miles. Barb is very good about watching individual technique within the group class and offers specific feedback to gain the most benefit. I really appreciate that! I completed the marathon taking 5 minutes off of my previous marathon time and qualifying to run the Boston Marathon!– Strength Class Client

I simply can't imagine facing the challenges in my life today without the weekly care and feeding of my physical and spiritual yoga connection with Mary St Onge. I had dabbled in yoga via DVD's, but didn't know how important the in-person instruction can be. Mary takes us all where we are, knowing every day is different, and helps us learn to acknowledge, address and diffuse the physical and mental distractions that impair our clear sense of purpose. Although that may seem a little deep, every once in a while, I just have a practice that lets me tune out the world and breathe. I am so grateful for Mary's loving leadership and her direction that inspires me to challenge myself as we practice together. Still striving for flexibility.– Margaret Buckton

If I can point out one obvious gift from God, it's having Mary St. Onge as my yoga instructor. She's a perfect fit, like a tailor made suit. She does not merely go through the motions of yoga. She plants seeds of wisdom, she explains the physical/emotional benefits of the yoga poses and is always mixing it up so you are constantly learning. I love how we actually breathe through poses slowly as opposed to sweeping through them like a hectic day. Mary is passionate about what she teaches and with that kind of energy, you get so much more from your practice. She's awesome!– Yoga Student

One of the best decisions of my life was to start personal training at Fitness By Design. I feel so much healthier, more energetic and have a more positive outlook on life. What could be more important? If you are looking for a personal trainer, you have found the very best with Barb Mendoza. She deeply cares for every client and customizes a program that delivers terrific results.– Client of Barb Mendoza

I started practicing yoga at a very vulnerable time in my life and in Mary's classes I have learned how to heal myself from within and that it's ok to take care of me first.Through the practice of yoga under Mary's guidance, I have gained more confidence in myself to handle whatever life sends my way. I feel such inner peace every time I leave one of her classes that I can't wait for the next one. Mary is very passionate about yoga and brings that passion into every class she teaches. I highly recommend Mary to anyone who is looking for peace and serenity in their life.– Carol

Last year, I decided to take more initiative with my health. I have been working out with Barb once a week and have recently added 2 fitness classes. I've been very adamant about taking this slow and steady- I want to change how fitness occurs as a long-term commitment. I can say that the variety of activities I participate in through FBD and the exercise I do on my own have really made a difference in my daily life. I'm stronger, more fit and have even noticed that my clothing fits better. Fitness By Design has been an all-around great addition to my life.– PT Client

I am really enjoying my yoga classes with Mary. I've never done yoga and I couldn't have asked for a better instructor for my first experience. Mary is fantastic - she has a very calming effect on my mind and body - can't wait for Monday evenings!– Client of Mary

As a mother of 3 young boys, it is difficult to find time to work out. I know that when I work with Barb, I will get maximum results in the minimum time. Barb has learned a lot about me and knows what to focus on so I get the most out of my workout. She is incredibly motivational and I appreciate her dedication to, not only my health, but my families' health as well.– RKM, West Des Moines

Yoga's a great way to exercise & relax both the body and the spirit.– Karen, Client of Mary

I have been working out with Tim O'Neil since the first of May, 2005 and achieved great results!! Overall, I have lost 5% body fat, 10 pounds fat mass, and 8.75 inches in measurement. I have tried many diets and programs from Atkins to Weight Watchers and have never achieved long-term success. Tim provides great leadership, a very positive attitude and raises the bar each month. I am confident he has helped me fundamentally change my behavior and my improved appearance, energy level and overall health is permanent.– Steve L., Client of Tim

My lungs always feel so expansive the next day, my brain is calmer, and I've lost 9 pounds! There's just something about mindfulness, energy, and quiet that is so wonderful. AND I would like to say: You, Mary, are the BEST! I've been to other yoga classes, and they just don't have the same "spiritual" tone. But it's not preachy... just simple and nice. Also, I don't ever feel that I am in danger of injuring anything. You always focus on just doing what you can without hurting anything which is perfect for me!!– Client of Mary

I have been going to strength training classes for over a couple of years now. I enjoy exercising with a nice group of people and have found the class very helpful at both improving my running and preventing injuries. Best of all....I can now see my triceps– Strength Class client

You go above and beyond to give everyone individual attention and your dedication to making your studio great is obvious. I have worked out at many places in the last 30 years and hands down yours is the best I've been to. The classes are never the same and always challenging. I love going!! – Kathy

My journey to a healthier life has been a slow one, and Barb has supported me all the way, pushing me when I needed it, helping me noticeably increase my balance, agility, functional strength, and confidence. This year I decided to focus on weight loss. Barb held me accountable to that, celebrated small successes with me, and helped me keep the inevitable setbacks in perspective. I've lost 20 pounds, and we're still going!– Client of Barb

You have the best staff ever, Barb! So grateful to have the opportunity to improve my barre practice at FITNESS by Design!– Private Client

Just wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying the mixed-use yoga classes with Mary! It's a highlight of my week and I THINK I may be progressing a bit in my practice -- it's not as foreign to me now, and I've even ventured closer to the mirror and the front of the room. :)
– Yoga Client

I just LOVE Pilates. I can actually tell a difference in my core with just the few classes that I have had with Julie. Julie is very thorough and explains everything and what everything actually does. She is also very patient with me because there are some moves that my hamstrings will not allow me to do and of course, I am not very flexible.– Pilates Client

Just loved the work with stretch bands, as did others. It was a hard class, harder than usual, which I think we all want. And as older ladies we all have problems with opening up our hip flexors and staying limber. I think we need to all sweat a little bit more too!– Kathy

I liked the Tuesday night mat class a lot. Janice is always appropriately challenging and is great at cueing. She is a real pro! I was concerned that I would be sore doing Pilates the same day as Strength and it hasn't been a problem.– Diane

We're both really happy with how things are going. Amy makes it fun and pushes us, but is also attentive about any pain spots and making sure we don't aggravate anything.
– PT Client

I joined FBD in late June and I have lost around 8 inches with my trainer, Janice. I find the experience very rewarding and believe I have increased my stamina and strength. I will continue on this path and see where it takes me. I can be a fairly impatient person as far as results go , but know Rome wasn't built in a day....so it's full steam ahead!– PT Client